Dickinson County Emergency Communications Center

Introduction

This Emergency Communications Center was placed in operation on April 5th, 2000, as one of the most up-to-date centers in the nation. We maintain some of the newest, most sophisticated radio, telephone and computer equipment available on the market today. From virtual radio and telephone computer equipment to ergonomically correct seating, we are truly a state-of-the-art facility. Our center is located in the basement of the Dickinson County Courthouse under the direction of the Department of Administration and Emergency Services.

Our staff includes the Director and 9 full-time Communications Officers. We have at least 2 staff members on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All Communications Officers must successfully complete a 6 week training course along with becoming certified in CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation), NCIC (National Crime Information Center) and EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatch) procedures.

The Dickinson County Emergency Communications Center is the sole emergency dispatch center for all of Dickinson County. We handle all administrative, non-emergency and 911 calls for 5 Law Enforcement agencies, 7 EMS and 1st Responder services and 13 full time and volunteer Fire Departments. We are also the after hours contact for several different city utilities.

To find out more about the Dickinson County Emergency Communications Center, visit our FAQs, or Career links on this page.

Vesta Pallas phone system

In October of 2011 we installed our new Vesta Pallas phone system. This computerized phone system allows our staff to operate on 6 administrative or non-emergency lines, 4 911 landlines and 2 cellular 911 lines. It is equipped with quick dial options for all responders as well as utility companies and railroads. It also allows us the ability to transfer 911 calls to surrounding agencies should you reach us by mistake.

As for the future, we continue to prepare our center for the upcoming Next Generation 911 (NG911) which will include capabilities such as texting to 911 and sending video data to dispatch.

Other Responsibilities

Along with the responsibilities mentioned above, we also perform numerous other tasks, including: